Profile #5 – The Friendship Circle

As fundraising auctioneers, we get to work with some amazing non-profit organizations. From time to time we are going to highlight some of those organizations and the amazing work they do. The best part of our job is raising much needed funds for great organizations like: Friendship Circle of Washington

Mission

The Mission of the Friendship Circle is to bridge the gap between special needs and typical youth through shared experience, empower special needs youth with the skills they need to live a productive and independent adult life, give parents and families much-needed respite, and nurture a sense of awareness and communal responsibility in our teens.

Vision

We envision a world in which people with special needs and their families experience acceptance and friendship as contributing members of society. We foresee a future where they never again have to experience social isolation or unequal treatment.

The Friendship Circle’s unique brand of social integration therapy simultaneously provides special needs families with the therapeutic and social support they need and promotes equal recognition for special needs individuals within our community. Our teens learn the importance of community involvement, the inherent value in individuals of all abilities, and develop the sensitivity and social skills necessary to be tomorrow’s leaders. This interaction also instills in our teens a responsibility for embracing special needs individuals on a personal level, and advocating for them on a societal level.

The true beauty of the Friendship Circle is how we all link together to form a seamless circle of friendship. The Friendship Circle is made up of five components: volunteers, children, parents, staff, and supporters. Together, we can perform miracles

Do you know a teenager who would like to be a volunteer?

Are you willing to drive a volunteer to his or her destination?

Do you know a Jewish or non-Jewish family that can use extra help in their home with children who have special needs?

Would you like to support our programs and help us continue the work of the Friendship Circle?